How To Take The Ultimate Vacation In Clearwater Beach, Florida

Just take A Split is your best guidebook to the ideal outings to recharge, rediscover you and your relationships, and reengage with the earth. We’ll cover procuring stops, terrific bars, eating places truly worth your dollars, picture chances, memorable drives and encounters, and other essential information you need to have right before you guide.

Beneath, we chat with Lindsay Holmes, senior wellness and vacation editor at HuffPost, about why you will want to set Clearwater Seashore, Florida, on your bucket list.

I grew up close by, so I used a ton of time at Clearwater Beach. In significant faculty, our classes would conclusion all around 1 p.m. and we’d all beeline straight for the seashore. It felt like a holiday vacation in my have backyard. The sand is powdery comfortable, the Gulf of Mexico is a sight to behold, and there are tons of terrific places to eat and pursuits close by ― each time we’d go for an afternoon or on the weekends, I in no way desired to go away.

April and May perhaps along with September or even early Oct are best. The warmth and humidity is brutal in the summer season, especially in July and August, so I’d advise steering clear of that time of 12 months. You also operate the risk of encountering afternoon thunderstorms ― especially at the seaside ― in the course of the summer months.

If you’re from a condition that truly has seasons, I very suggest heading when you are above the cold or not pretty completely ready to endure chillier temperatures. The winter months can be warm, but you also run the risk of it obtaining into the 50s. (I know, tragic.) If you are genuinely searching for beach weather, late spring or early fall are typically your finest bets.

Clearwater/St. Petersburg has a smaller airport, but Tampa Intercontinental Airport will probable have the most choices if you’re flying. From there, you are only about a 40-minute push away from the principal seaside location. You can e-book a transportation like Super Shuttle or can easily choose Ubers or Lyfts. Obtaining all of your transportation set up beforehand will make almost everything as seamless as feasible.

If you are driving, be well prepared to offer with bridges and targeted visitors ― primarily in the more preferred journey months. There is essentially a single street that goes into the seaside and it’ll get packed rapidly. There’s also a large roundabout that several drivers get flustered by, specially when there are a good deal of autos. Patience is key when navigating Clearwater Seaside in a car or truck.

There are so quite a few lodges appropriate along the seaside that are worthy of examining out, primarily if you want direct accessibility to the drinking water or a pool. Some of the most common types involve the Sandpearl Vacation resort, the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Seashore and the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Seaside.

In addition, there are adorable boutique inns, like Resort Cabana. Airbnbs are also an solution, and you can generally locate some excellent types in just a brief stroll or Uber or Lyft ride.

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a have to-check out if you’re at any time in Clearwater Beach. It is a ceremony of passage I really don’t make the procedures. It is positioned proper on the water, with a substantial patio that empties out on to the sand. It is the best spot after a prolonged working day in the sun. Buy the grouper sandwich and the crab fries and I assure you are going to in no way be the same. My mom also enjoys their she-crab soup.

If you are searching for some thing a very little more “upscale” one evening, the Beachcomber and the Island Way Grill are strong possibilities that have been all-around for several years. There’s also the Palm Pavilion or Crabby’s Bar and Grill if you’re seeking for a thing minimal-essential with a seaside bar ambiance. And for all you hen wing admirers, the town of Clearwater is also home to the primary Hooters. (There is also a place on Clearwater Seaside.)

I also have to plug a cease at the grocery store Publix. There is unquestionably almost nothing like feeding on a Pub Sub on the beach front. It is just one of life’s biggest pleasures.

Frenchy’s and the Palm Pavilion are great spots if you want to seize a consume on the seaside. They have excellent, cost-effective frozen cocktails (if you are from a big city, your mouth will fall at the price ranges). My favourite are the piña coladas, which I know is particularly essential. But just after a sizzling day of swimming and sunbathing, it genuinely hits the place. They also have rum runners, crucial lime coladas (a further beloved), coconut margaritas and much more.

Numerous restaurants, which include Frenchy’s and Palm Pavilion, generally have live audio. I advocate going for the duration of sunset if you can get a table. Amusement, a refreshing drink and pristine landscapes. What a lot more could you check with for?

There are tons of regional souvenir outlets along the seaside, which are wonderful for window procuring or getting a trinket to commemorate your journey.

The entire beach is ripe for photographs! If you stroll north together the seaside ― past all of the motels ― you are going to certainly get great photographs without having a bunch of persons in the background or pushing along with you. Pier 60 is also a excellent site for photos if you want sweeping views of the Gulf (you may well also get a glimpse of some dolphins if you are lucky).

I’d individually say skip the pirate-themed boats that go out in the drinking water and choose for a dolphin sightseeing boat, or even go parasailing. Some folks take pleasure in the pirate cruises, but most locals say they’re not genuinely worthy of the price. If you are a water activity supporter, many people actually rave about the jet ski rentals as perfectly.

I come to feel so at relieve when I’m on a walk or sitting on the north part of the beach front. We’d constantly park there for the working day when we have been in large faculty. I have fond reminiscences of lounging in the sun with my friends, gossiping about what happened in course or who was courting who at the time.

Each individual time I go back, I make certain to wander up that way, which ends up being about a mile or so away from Pier 60. It instantaneously will make me sense like a teen again. It’s also pleasant for the reason that it’s even more away from the touristy locations, so you get a amount of tranquil that you’re not truly afforded in the extra crowded sections.

For some fantastic people today seeing, I surely recommend walking alongside the pier or in some of the a lot more populated areas. There are also other stunning beaches close by if you want to switch it up for the day. Try out examining out Sand Critical Seashore or Caladesi Island State Park, which offer an additional small slice of heaven of the Gulf.

There are a several: Initial, be expecting to be uncovered to UV rays and prepare accordingly. The sunlight will get you if you are not mindful. Wear sunscreen ― even if it looks cloudy through the summer months.

You ought to also assume afternoon thunderstorms if you are likely in the hotter months. (I individually enjoy them, but they can be frustrating on a getaway.) Storms usually roll in all around 3 p.m. and can very last any place from 20 minutes to around an hour, dependent on the forecast. It is helpful to prepare any seaside days or excursions close to it ― you will possible get improved weather the earlier you go out.

Ultimately, familiarize on your own with the stingray shuffle. If you check out whenever amongst April and Oct, that’s normally stingray season. Shuffle your feet in the h2o so they know you are coming. (For what it’s well worth, I have hardly ever had a issue with them in my lifetime of heading to Clearwater Beach. Just be conscious, do not tension!)

To point out the apparent, a bathing suit and sunscreen. Some people want bringing drinking water footwear for stingray year and seashore shirts due to the fact, as described, the sun can be really powerful.

Do. Not. Feed. The. Seagulls. They’re almost everywhere, and they want your meals. Feeding them just tends to make them additional needy (and it could be unsafe for them) ― not to mention you’ll annoy all the other beachgoers close to you. Continue to keep your treats, subs and something else to yourself. Have faith in me.